Natalie Cashen

“I support science-based management of Vermont’s land and water resources that protects our environment while keeping working farms and forests viable and allowing responsible development. My priorities include maintaining strong funding for Vermont’s Clean Water Initiative to reduce phosphorus, stormwater runoff, and other pollution; restoring wetlands and stream buffers; and helping towns improve culverts, river corridors, and floodplains to reduce erosion and future flood damage. I support strengthening Current Use and conservation incentives that keep farms and forests productive and prevent fragmentation. I also support investing in state and municipal parks, trails, and public access to outdoor recreation.”

KEYWORDS: clean water, flood resilience, wetland protection

“Vermont’s environment supports our economy, public health, agriculture, tourism, and quality of life. I support environmental policies grounded in science and measurable results. I support sustained funding for Vermont’s Clean Water Initiative to reduce phosphorus and stormwater runoff, upgrade wastewater infrastructure, restore wetlands and stream buffers, and help farmers implement conservation practices. I support continued implementation of Vermont’s PFAS restrictions, expanded testing of drinking water and contaminated sites, and holding polluters responsible for cleanup costs. I also support funding environmental research and monitoring through the Agency of Natural Resources, UVM, and other research partners, particularly for water quality, soil health, forests, invasive species, and flood resilience. Vermont should continue supporting Current Use, conservation easements, and technical and financial assistance that help farmers and forestland owners protect soil, water, and wildlife habitat. These policies should use scientific data to measure results and direct limited state resources toward programs that demonstrably improve Vermont’s environment.”

KEYWORDS: clean water, PFAS protection, pollution prevention

“Vermont needs to invest in resilience before disasters occur, not simply pay to rebuild afterward. I support fully implementing the Flood Safety Act, including stronger floodplain standards, river-corridor protections, wetland restoration, and improved dam safety. I support funding municipal projects that replace undersized culverts, strengthen roads and bridges, restore floodplains, and protect water and wastewater systems. I also support voluntary buyouts for repeatedly flooded properties and incentives for communities to adopt stronger flood-resilience standards. Vermont should implement its Resilience Implementation Strategy by prioritizing nature-based flood protection, resilient infrastructure, and improved early-warning systems. I also support UVM Extension and state programs that help farmers and foresters adapt to changing rainfall, growing seasons, pests, and forest conditions. For communities dependent on skiing and other winter recreation, Vermont should support economic diversification and four-season outdoor recreation. These investments can reduce disaster costs while protecting our homes, working lands, businesses, and local economies.”

KEYWORDS: flood resilience, Flood Safety Act, river-corridor protection

“AI can improve healthcare, education, manufacturing, and state services, but Vermont should establish strong safeguards as its use expands. I support strengthening Vermont’s Division of Artificial Intelligence and requiring transparency, privacy protections, human oversight, and testing for bias when AI is used by state government or for consequential decisions affecting Vermonters. I support workforce development through Vermont State University, career and technical education centers, and employers to prepare workers for AI-related jobs and help those affected by automation. Schools should teach responsible AI use and digital literacy while protecting student data. I oppose the development of large-scale data centers in Vermont. Their enormous electricity demands could strain our grid, increase infrastructure needs, and conflict with Vermont’s energy and environmental goals. I would support legislation establishing strict limits on large data centers and preventing their energy and infrastructure costs from being passed on to Vermont ratepayers. Vermont should embrace useful AI technology without sacrificing affordability, environmental stewardship, or local control.”

KEYWORDS: responsible AI, AI transparency, consumer protection, data privacy

“My energy priorities are affordability, reliability, and responsible renewable development. Alternative energy should play a major role in Vermont’s future, but the transition must lower costs for households and businesses rather than create additional financial burdens. I support Vermont’s Renewable Energy Standard and cost-effective, responsibly sited solar, existing and small-scale hydropower, geothermal energy, battery storage, and community renewable projects. I also support grid modernization and weatherization, with greater access for low- and middle-income Vermonters. These investments can create jobs for electricians, lineworkers, HVAC and heat-pump technicians, solar installers, engineers, and construction workers. I support expanding career and technical education, Vermont State University programs, and apprenticeships that connect Vermonters directly with these jobs. Energy policy should reduce household costs, maintain a reliable grid, protect our environment, and keep more energy dollars and jobs in Vermont.”

KEYWORDS: energy affordability, renewable energy, energy reliability